Cooling system and method for a turbomachine

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present invention provides a cooling system for a flame detection system of a turbomachine. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a control system for the operation of the cooling system. The control system may be configured to automatically and/or continuously monitor the cooling system to determine whether the position of the at least one valve should be changed. 
     An embodiment of the present invention may provide a method for monitoring the cooling system. The method of an embodiment of the present invention may provide a correction action if the cooling system is not operating within a parameter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the operation of a turbomachine, and more particularly to a cooling system and method for a turbomachine.

Some turbomachines, such as gas turbines, aero-derivatives, or the like, burn a fuel and an air mixture during a combustion process to generate energy. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a turbomachine 100. Generally, the turbomachine 100 comprises an inlet plenum 105 that directs an airstream towards a compressor housed in a compressor casing 110. The airstream is compressed and then discharged to a combustion system 115, where a fuel, such as natural gas, is burned to provide high-energy combustion gases, which drives the turbine section 120. In the turbine section 120, the energy of the hot gases is converted into work, some of which is used to drive the compressor, with the remainder available for useful work to drive a load such as the generator, mechanical drive, or the like (none of which are illustrated).

The flame created during the combustion process is monitored during the operation of the turbomachine 100. Various forms of flame detection systems are used for the monitoring. Flame detection systems may be located in close proximity to the combustion system 115 of the turbomachine 100. This leads to heating of the flame detection system, which leads to faulty flame detection. A cooling system should be used to remove the heat received by the flame detection system.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a system and method to cool a flame detection system during the operation of the turbomachine 100. The method and system should allow for real time monitoring and control of the cooling system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system for a turbomachine, the system comprising: a cooling circuit configured for delivering a coolant to at least one flame detection system, wherein a portion of the flame detection system is installed on a turbomachine: at least one device for determining a physical property of the coolant; and a control system for operating the cooling system; wherein, the control system receives data from the at least one device.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a cooling system for a turbomachine, the method comprising: providing a cooling system which comprises: a cooling circuit configured to deliver a coolant to at least one flame detection system, wherein a portion of the flame detection system is installed on a turbomachine; receiving data on a cooling system parameter; wherein the cooling system parameter comprises a physical property of the coolant; determining whether the data is within an allowable range; and initiating a corrective action if the data is outside of the allowable range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating a turbomachine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating an example of a cooling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an air preheating system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary system of controlling an air preheating system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Generally, the cooling system may be employed to remove some of the heat experienced by the flame detection system, as described. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a method of monitoring and/or cooling the cooling system of the present invention.

Referring again to the Figures, where the various numbers represent like elements throughout the several views. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating an example of a cooling system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An embodiment of the combustion system 115 may comprise at least one combustion can 125. Some turbomachines 100 may comprises a plurality of combustion cans 125. Generally, within each of combustion can 125 the aforementioned combustion process occurs. A flame detection system 130 monitors the flame burning in some of the combustion cans 125. The flame detection system 130 may be in the form of a flame scanner, a portion of which may be inserted within the combustion can 125. For example, but not limiting of, the flame scanner may utilize an infra red technology, optical technology, or the like, to detect the flame.

An embodiment of the cooling system 140 may comprise a cooling system circuit. The cooling system circuit may comprise: a cooling system (CS) supply line 145, a cooling system (CS) return line 150, at least one valve 155, at least one feedback device 160, at least one heat exchanging device 165, a heat exchanger (HX) supply line 170 and a heat exchanger (HX) return line 175. A control system 180 may control the operation of the cooling system 140. As illustrated in FIG. 2, portions of the cooling circuit may be installed over a casing of the turbomachine 100, such as, but not limiting of, the compressor casing 110.

The CS supply line 145 generally serves to supply a coolant to the flame detection system 130. The coolant may flow through a portion of the flame detection system 130 to remove the heat received from the combustion system 115. In an embodiment of the present invention, the CS supply line 145 may comprise at least one valve 155 and at least one feedback device 160. The at least one valve 155 may serve to control the supply of the coolant to the cooling system 140. The at least one valve 155 may be located upstream of each feedback device 160. An embodiment of the at least one valve 155, may have the form of a solenoid valve, a motor-operated valve, or the like.

The at least one feedback device 160 generally serves to determine a physical property of the coolant. For example, but not limiting of, the at least one feedback device 160 may determine, a pressure or a flowrate of the coolant within the cooling system 140. The at least one feedback device 160 may comprise the form of: pressure switch, a pressure transmitter, a pressure transducer, a flow meter, or the like.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a first feedback device may be located at upstream of each flame detection system 130 and a second feedback device may be located downstream of each flame detection system 130. In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one feedback device 160 may provide data on the physical property of the coolant to the control system 180.

The CS return line 150 serves to move the heated coolant, from the flame detection system 130. In an embodiment of the present invention, the CS return line 150 may be connected to a portion of the flame detection system 130. The coolant may exit the flame detection at a temperature, reflecting the removal of heat from the flame detection system 130.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling system 140 may comprises a heat exchanging device 165 for adjusting the temperature of the coolant. The form of the heat exchanging device 165 may include: a heat exchanger, a chiller, or the like. The heat exchanging device 165 may comprise a HX supply line 170 and a HX return line 175. The heat exchanging device 165 may form a closed or partially closed loop system, when connected with the CS supply line 145 and the CS return line 150. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the CS supply line 145 may be connected to a discharge end of the heat exchanging device 165; and the CS return line 150 may be connected to an intake end of the heat exchanging device 165.

The control system 180 may implement an algorithm, or the like, to control the operation of the cooling system 140. The control system 180 may receive data from the at least one feedback device 160. The control system 180 may utilize the data to determine the position of the at least one valve 155. For example, but not limiting of, the algorithm may include an operating range of the pressure of the coolant within the CS supply line 145. This may be used to determine if the coolant in the CS supply line 145 is received by the flame detection system 130. For example, but not limiting of, a low-pressure value may indicate a coolant leak. Here, a leak may indicate that coolant is engaging a casing of the turbomachine 100.

As will be appreciated, the present invention may be embodied as a method, system, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit”, “module,” or “system”. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer readable medium may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Java7, Smalltalk or C++, or the like. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language, or a similar language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The present invention is described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a public purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blocks.

An embodiment of the control system 180 has the technical effect of controlling the operation of the cooling system 140. The control system 180 of an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to automatically and/or continuously monitor the cooling system 140 to determine whether the position of the at least one valve 155 should be changed.

Alternatively, the control system 180 may be configured to require a user action to the initiate operation of the cooling system 140. An embodiment of the control system 180 of the present invention may function as a stand-alone system. Alternatively, the control system 180 may be integrated as a module, or the like, within a broader system, such as a turbine control which or a plant control system which may governing the operation of the turbomachine 100.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 of controlling a cooling system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention the control system 180 that implements the method 300 may be integrated with a graphical user interface (GUI), or the like. The GUI may allow the operator to navigate through the method 300 described below. The GUI may also provide at least one notification of the status of the cooling system 140. The method 300 may be adapted to control the operation of a variety of configurations of a cooling system 140, include the embodiment that was described.

In step 305, of the method 300, the turbomachine 100 generates an exhaust. Depending on either the type and/or operation of the turbomachine 100, the generated exhaust typically indicates that a flame exists within the combustion system 115. Here, the flame detection system 130 may be detecting the presence of a flame within the combustion system 115.

In step 310, the method 300 may receive data on a cooling system parameter. An algorithm of the control system 180, to monitor the operation of the cooling system 140, may use the cooling system parameter. This algorithm may also use the cooling system parameter to control the operation of the cooling system. The cooling system parameter may comprise a physical property of the coolant. The physical property may include, but is not limited to, a pressure and/or a flowrate of the coolant. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user may define the cooling system parameter. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the algorithm may utilize multiple cooling system parameters.

In step 315, the method 300 may determine whether the current data of the cooling system parameter is within an allowable range. An embodiment of the present invention may allow the user to set the allowable range. For example, but not limiting of, a user may select the pressure of the coolant in the CS supply line 145 as the cooling system parameter. After the method 300 receives data on the pressure value in step 310, the pressure value may be compared to an allowable pressure range. If the current data is within the allowable range, the method 300 may revert to step 310; otherwise the method 300 may proceed to step 320.

In step 320, the method 300 may initiate a corrective action. An embodiment of the method 300 may automatically initiate multiple corrective actions simultaneously. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the method 300, in step 325 may modulate a position of the at least one valve 155. This may occurred automatically as a measure to reduce the uncertainty of where the coolant may be flowing. For example, but not limiting of, a low pressure value may indicate a coolant leak in the cooling system 140. To avoid the waste associated with a coolant leak, the method 300 may automatically closed the at least one valve 155 to stop the flow of coolant flowing in the CS supply line 145. Here, the corrective action may comprise isolating the cooling system 140.

Concurrently, in an embodiment of the present invention, the method 320, in step 330, may automatically generate a notification. The notification may serve to inform the user that the cooling system parameter may not be within the allowable range. In an embodiment of the present invention, the GUI may provide the notification as a pop-up window, alarm, or other similar methods.

In step 335, the method 300 may determine whether the notification is acknowledged. Due to the importance of the cooling system 140, a prompt acknowledgment of the notification issued in step 330 may be required. If the notification is acknowledged, then the method 300 may proceed to step 340, otherwise the method 300 may proceed to step 345.

In step 340, the method 300 may provide a corrective action to the user. For example, but not limiting of, the method 300 may provide the user with areas on the turbomachine 100 to inspect. Alternatively, the method 300 may suggest that the user verify the operation of the components of the cooling system 140.

In step 345, the method 300, may initiate a turbomachine shutdown if the notification is not acknowledged. For example, but not limiting of, the method 300 may include a timer, or the like, used to monitor when the notification is acknowledged. Here, if notification is not acknowledged within a designated time, then the method may initiate the shutdown of the turbomachine 100 to reduce the possibility of a coolant leak engage a casing of the turbomachine 100.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 400 for controlling a cooling system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The elements of the method 310 may be embodied in and performed by the system 400. The system 400 may include one or more user or client communication devices 402 or similar systems or devices (two are illustrated in FIG. 4). Each communication device 402 may be for example, but not limited to, a computer system, a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone, or any device capable of sending and receiving an electronic message.

The communication device 402 may include a system memory 404 or local file system. The system memory 404 may include for example, but is not limited to, a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM may include a basic input/output system (BIOS). The BIOS may contain basic routines that help to transfer information between elements or components of the communication device 402. The system memory 404 may contain an operating system 406 to control overall operation of the communication device 402. The system memory 404 may also include a browser 408 or web browser. The system memory 404 may also include data structures 410 or computer-executable code for controlling a cooling system 140 that may be similar or include elements of the method 300 in FIG. 3.

The system memory 404 may further include a template cache memory 412, which may be used in conjunction with the method 300 in FIG. 3 for controlling a cooling system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The communication device 402 may also include a processor or processing unit 414 to control operations of the other components of the communication device 402. The operating system 406, browser 408, and data structures 410 may be operable on the processing unit 414. The processing unit 414 may be coupled to the memory system 404 and other components of the communication device 402 by a system bus 416.

The communication device 402 may also include multiple input devices (I/O), output devices or combination input/output devices 418. Each input/output device 418 may be coupled to the system bus 416 by an input/output interface (not shown in FIG. 4). The input and output devices or combination I/O devices 418 permit a user to operate and interface with the communication device 402 and to control operation of the browser 408 and data structures 410 to access, operate and control the software to control a cooling system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The 110 devices 418 may include a keyboard and computer pointing device or the like to perform the operations discussed herein.

The I/O devices 418 may also include for example, but are not limited to, disk drives, optical, mechanical, magnetic, or infrared input/output devices, modems or the like. The I/O devices 418 may be used to access a storage medium 420. The medium 420 may contain, store, communicate, or transport computer-readable or computer-executable instructions or other information for use by or in connection with a system, such as the communication devices 402.

The communication device 402 may also include or be connected to other devices, such as a display or monitor 422. The monitor 422 may permit the user to interface with the communication device 402.

The communication device 402 may also include a hard drive 424. The hard drive 424 may be coupled to the system bus 416 by a hard drive interface (not shown in FIG. 4). The hard drive 424 may also form part of the local file system or system memory 404. Programs, software, and data may be transferred and exchanged between the system memory 404 and the hard drive 424 for operation of the communication device 402.

The communication device 402 may communicate with at least one unit controller 426 and may access other servers or other communication devices similar to communication device 402 via a network 428. The system bus 416 may be coupled to the network 428 by a network interface 430. The network interface 430 may be a modem, Ethernet card, router, gateway, or the like for coupling to the network 428. The coupling may be a wired or wireless connection. The network 428 may be the Internet, private network, an intranet, or the like.

The at least one unit controller 426 may also include a system memory 432 that may include a file system. ROM, RAM, and the like. The system memory 432 may include an operating system 434 similar to operating system 406 in communication devices 402. The system memory 432 may also include data structures 436 for controlling a cooling system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The data structures 436 may include operations similar to those described with respect to the method 400 for controlling a cooling system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The server system memory 432 may also include other files 438, applications, modules, and the like.

The at least one unit controller 426 may also include a processor 442 or a processing unit to control operation of other devices in the at least one unit controller 426. The at least one unit controller 426 may also include I/O device 444. The I/O devices 444 may be similar to I/O devices 418 of communication devices 402. The at least one unit controller 426 may further include other devices 446, such as a monitor or the like to provide an interface alone with the I/O devices 444 to the at least one unit controller 426. The at least one unit controller 426 may also include a hard disk drive 448. A system bus 450 may connect the different components of the at least one unit controller 426. A network interface 452 may couple the at least one unit controller 426 to the network 428 via the system bus 450.

The flowcharts and step diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each step in the flowchart or step diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the step may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two steps shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the steps may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each step of the step diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of steps in the step diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein. 

1. A cooling system for a turbomachine, the system comprising: a cooling circuit configured for delivering a coolant to at least one flame detection system, wherein a portion of the flame detection system is installed on a turbomachine; at least one device for determining a physical property of the coolant; and a control system for operating the cooling system; wherein, the control system receives data from the at least one device.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one valve configured for allowing the coolant to flow to the at least one flame detection system.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the control system determines the position of the at least one valve.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a turbomachine, wherein the turbomachine comprises a casing, and wherein a portion of the cooling circuit extends over the casing.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the casing comprises at least one combustion can and wherein the at least one flame detection system is integrated with the at least one combustion can.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the physical property comprises at least one of: a pressure, a flowrate, or combinations thereof.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one heat exchanging device for regulating a temperature of the at least one flame detection system.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one device comprises at least one of: a pressure switch, a pressure transmitter, a pressure transducer, a flow meter, or combinations thereof.
 9. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one valve comprises at least one of: a solenoid valve, a motor operated valve, or combinations thereof.
 10. A method of operating a cooling system for a turbomachine, the method comprising: providing a cooling system which comprises: a cooling circuit configured to deliver a coolant to at least one flame detection system, wherein a portion of the flame detection system is installed on a turbomachine; receiving data on a cooling system parameter; wherein the cooling system parameter comprises a physical property of the coolant; determining whether the data is within an allowable range; and initiating a corrective action if the data is outside of the allowable range.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of providing the corrective action comprises modulating at least one cooling system valve.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of providing the corrective action comprises: isolating the cooling system; generating a notification; determining whether the notification is acknowledged; providing a corrective action if the corrective action is acknowledged; or initiating a shutdown sequence of the turbomachine.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the cooling system valve is configured for allowing the coolant to flow to the at least one flame detection system.
 14. The system of claim 11, further comprising determining an operation position of the cooling system valve.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the turbomachine comprises a casing, and a portion of the cooling circuit extends over the casing.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the casing comprises at least one combustion can and integrating the at least one flame detection system with the at least one combustion can.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the physical property comprises at least one of a pressure, a flowrate, or combinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising utilizing at least one heat exchanging device for regulating a temperature of the coolant.
 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising utilizing at least one device to provide data on the cooling system parameter, wherein the at least one device comprises at least one of: a pressure switch, a pressure transmitter, a pressure transducer, a flow meter, or combinations thereof.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the cooling system valve comprises at least one of: a solenoid valve, a motor operated valve, or combinations thereof. 